Latest news with #SwachhataAbhiyan
News18
13 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Delhi govt to kick off month-long cleanliness campaign from August 1
Agency: PTI Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) The Delhi government is set to launch its ambitious cleanliness campaign titled 'Kude Se Azaadi"—a city-wide initiative aimed at eliminating waste, encouraging segregation at source, and transforming the national capital into one of the cleanest cities globally. The month-long campaign will formally begin on Friday, August 1. Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood described the campaign as a historic step under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. He said that competitions will be held among Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and special drives will be conducted in unauthorised colonies and JJ clusters on August 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24. Daily cleaning will also continue across the city. He added that, on the first two days of the campaign, all government departments will focus on clearing accumulated garbage. Sood also stated that thousands of safai karamcharis and multiple government departments are involved in the effort, and the government has allocated Rs 5 crore to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to support the campaign. During a preparatory meeting held on Tuesday, Chief Minister Gupta announced a system of cash rewards ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore for the cleanest RWA, ward, and assembly constituency, depending on their performance. Participants are required to upload before-and-after photographs on a dedicated portal, which will be used for evaluation and disbursal of rewards. The campaign will run through the entire month of August, with the initial two days dedicated to clearing waste backlogs in schools, hospitals, and government offices. On weekends, special attention will be given to unauthorised colonies and JJ clusters. Clean-up efforts are also scheduled at key locations such as the Yamuna ghats on August 14, 21, and 28, and along Ring Road on August 29 and 31. Various departments have issued directives to ensure effective implementation. The Public Works Department has asked all its divisions to create and execute Swachhata Abhiyan plans and to identify innovative practices. Social media platforms will be actively used to create awareness around the campaign. The department has also outlined a range of cleaning activities, including the installation of colour-coded dustbins and the maintenance of public infrastructure such as roads, drains, subways, staircases, and overhead tanks. The Directorate of Education has instructed all schools to organise a one-hour cleanliness drive on August 1 within school premises and in nearby community areas. All staff, including the Head of School and teachers, are expected to take part in this initiative, which is part of the 'Each One Clean One" campaign. The New Delhi Municipal Council will celebrate Independence Day with a month-long series of cleanliness and public engagement activities. These will include intensive drives across markets, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, as well as awareness campaigns and cultural events. NDMC schools will participate in the 'Each One Clean One" initiative by adopting public spaces for maintenance. Nearly 28,000 students are expected to participate in clean campus activities and plogging efforts. International Youth Day will also be marked as part of the broader campaign. Special highlights include a patriotic movie screening for NDMC staff on August 13 and a public screening on India's freedom movement at the Regal Building on August 14. PTI SLB SSM SHB MHS SLB HIG HIG view comments First Published: July 31, 2025, 21:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
MP: Burhanpur's Biroda village sets example, vows to go plastic-free
Burhanpur: In a remarkable step towards environmental sustainability, Biroda village in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur district on Friday has launched a bold campaign to become a plastic-free village. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission, the village leadership, including the Sarpanch, Deputy Sarpanch, Secretary, and other public representatives, has united to take a pledge to rid the village of plastic. This grassroots initiative arrives at a time when Indore has once again been crowned the cleanest city in India for the eighth consecutive year—an achievement that has fueled aspirations in villages like Biroda. To turn their vision into reality, the Panchayat has kicked off an intensive public awareness campaign. Panchayat members are visiting households and educating villagers on the environmental and health hazards posed by plastic. The message is clear - that plastic pollutes land, water, and air, and poses serious long-term risks to human health. School students have taken an active role in this mission, conducting rallies and awareness drives across the village. Chanting slogans and carrying placards, the children are encouraging their elders to adopt eco-friendly habits and alternatives. The response from villagers has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents are voluntarily giving up plastic products and embracing sustainable alternatives such as cloth and jute bags. With increasing participation, the campaign is swiftly evolving into a mass movement. If this momentum continues, Biroda could soon become a model for other villages across the state and the country. Talking to IANS, Pradeep Mali, Deputy Sarpanch of Biroda, said: "I was inspired by PM Modi's Swachhata Abhiyan. If Indore can become the cleanest city, why not Biroda? We've pledged to make our village free of plastic and the cleanest in the region. The community is actively participating. Our team collects waste twice a day and has instructed all shopkeepers to keep dustbins outside their shops." Akshara Rajendra Sonawane, a student from the local school, said: "We are raising awareness about the dangers of plastic and encouraging people to keep their surroundings clean. Everyone here is taking part in the mission." Sandeep Chaudhary, a school teacher, added: "PM Modi's cleanliness drive has truly inspired us. We are committed to supporting this movement in every way possible." The seeds of this transformation were sown on October 2, 2014, when the Swachh Bharat Mission was launched as a national movement to achieve a Clean India by October 2, 2019. The campaign was marked by a historic cleanliness pledge led by Prime Minister Modi at India Gate, joined by nearly 30 lakh government employees nationwide. The Prime Minister had even joined a walkathon at Rajpath, walking shoulder to shoulder with citizens. Today, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has become a Jan Andolan—a people's movement. Citizens across India have embraced the mission, taking to the streets with brooms, cleaning public spaces, and promoting hygiene and sanitation.
Hans India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Adopt waste-to-wealth approach, Haryana Guv tells Urban Local Bodies heads
Chandigarh: Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya on Friday said chairpersons and representatives of the Urban Local Bodies across the country should adopt a waste-to-wealth approach by leveraging advanced technologies in waste management. He said such initiatives would not only provide a fresh impetus to the Swachhata Abhiyan but also significantly enhance the economic resources of the Urban Local Bodies. Governor Dattatraya made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in Manesar in Gurugram. The Governor congratulated the state Vidhan Sabha Speaker and his team for successfully organizing the first-ever national conference for Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies. He said 'it is a matter of pride that representatives from across the country not only participated in in-depth deliberations but also shared best practices related to urban development'. He further said the conference featured meaningful and constructive discussions on several key issues concerning urban governance, which will serve as a valuable guide for future policy-making. The Governor said Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan across the country, which has instilled a sense of awareness and positive thinking about cleanliness among citizens. He urged all representatives to actively involve the community in this campaign through widespread public awareness efforts so that cities can become cleaner and more beautiful. 'The greater the public participation in this mission, the more beautiful and healthier our cities will become,' he said. He especially emphasised the importance of special attention in cleanliness of slum areas. Additionally, the Governor highlighted the need for the rapid digitalisation of Urban Local Bodies to improve efficiency and transparency. He said the government is committed to providing ample employment opportunities for the youth. In this context, he encouraged the Urban Local Bodies to prioritise skill development initiatives in their respective areas to further enhance job prospects for youth. He also stressed the importance of learning from cities that have emerged as role models in various sectors, encouraging others to adopt their best practices and strive to become leaders in their own domains.
News18
23-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
Last Updated: The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra's most iconic spiritual journeys, a foot pilgrimage that attracts over a million devotees, known as Warkaris Maharashtra is witnessing an escalating debate over religious expression and public space usage as Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi's remarks on the ongoing Pandharpur Wari pilgrimage ignited a political firestorm. At the heart of the controversy is Azmi's comparison of the state's acceptance of massive Hindu pilgrimages like the Wari with the criticism directed at Muslims offering prayers in public spaces. As political noise brews over Azmi's remarks over Pandharpur Wari, the spotlight has now inadvertently turned to a deeper question: what exactly is this pilgrimage that captures the heart of Maharashtra year after year? The Pandharpur Wari is one of Maharashtra's most iconic spiritual journeys, a foot pilgrimage that attracts over a million devotees, known as Warkaris, who walk for days to reach the temple town of Pandharpur in Solapur district. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal – a form of Lord Krishna – and his consort Rukmini, the pilgrimage culminates on Ashadhi Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day of the bright fortnight of Ashadh (June–July). This year, the Wari began on June 19 and will conclude on July 6, with the final darshan of the deity. The tradition stretches back over 700 years and is deeply embedded in the Bhakti movement, with roots linked to saints such as Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Namdev, and Eknath. It is often referred to as the 'Kumbh Mela of Maharashtra" and is considered the spiritual heartbeat of the state. The Wari is not merely a religious procession; it is a profound symbol of Maharashtra's social cohesion. Men and women of all castes and religions walk together in devotional harmony. Warkaris chant bhajans, perform kirtans, and carry the padukas (holy footprints) of revered saints in ornately decorated palkhis (palanquins). They wear Tulsi malas, sport Gopichandan tilaks, and walk barefoot for nearly 250 kilometres. One of the unique highlights of the pilgrimage is the Ringan Sohala, where a sacred horse is released to run in circles, believed to be ridden by the souls of saints like Dnyaneshwar or Tukaram. Devotees cheer with fervour, symbolising divine presence and spiritual ecstasy. Moreover, the Wari has evolved with time. In recent years, it has incorporated modern elements like Swachhata Abhiyan (cleanliness drives) and Cycle Wari (environmental initiatives), promoting hygiene and sustainable pilgrimage practices. In a society often fragmented by caste, class, and religious divides, the Wari presents a counter-narrative of unity and mutual respect. There is no discrimination on the basis of gender or biological processes; women walk with equal pride, and menstruation is not a taboo. Devotees share meals, sorrows, and songs, creating a mobile community bound by shared values. As Maharashtra celebrates this ancient tradition, the political controversy surrounding Azmi's comments serves as a reminder of how easily faith can become a flashpoint in public discourse. But amid the noise, the Wari marches on – undaunted, inclusive, and rooted in devotion. Azmi, the state president of the Samajwadi Party and legislator from Mumbai's Mankhurd–Shivaji Nagar constituency, recently made contentious comments during an interaction with journalists, referring to the massive foot pilgrimage that halts traffic across several districts. 'I was coming from Pune and was told to leave early as the roads will be blocked for wari towards Pandharpur. But we (Muslims) have never complained (about it). Muslims and Hindus walk shoulder to shoulder like brothers. But deliberate attempts are made to create a divide," Azmi, MLA from Mumbai's Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency, reportedly told PTI. Azmi's remarks drew sharp political backlash, especially when he invoked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial position on public prayers. Mosques are sometimes full during prayers so people offer namaz on the roads, which take 5-10 minutes, but the UP CM says those who indulge in such acts will lose their passports and driving licences, Azmi claimed. Muslims have never asked why festivals are celebrated on the roads, he added. Dismissing Azmi's statements as a desperate bid for attention, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, 'Azmi is known to make controversial remarks to get publicity. I don't give any importance to this." Echoing the sentiment, Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske, who is part of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said, 'There is grievance against the Muslim community due to leaders like Abu Azmi. The Pandharpur wari is older than the advent of Islam in India. Even Muslims take part in wari." Mhaske added that the wari by devotees is a very disciplined affair in which participants walk along the side of the road. With inputs from PTI Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : maharashtra Pandharpur Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: June 23, 2025, 15:28 IST News india What Is Pandharpur Wari, And Why Did Abu Azmi's Remarks Spark Political Row In Maharashtra?
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Our resolve to take PM Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every street': Uttarakhand CM Dhami announces cleanliness drive
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced an innovative initiative under which, wherever he goes on tour or where he stays overnight, a cleanliness campaign will be run compulsorily adding that the drive will help in spreading the message of "social awarness" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every street and village in the state. Chief Minister Dhami has given strict instructions to all municipal bodies and gram panchayats, including the District Magistrates, to take this initiative in mission mode and give priority to cleanliness at the local level. He has also appealed to common citizens, youth, and voluntary organisations to participate enthusiastically in this campaign. The Chief Minister said that it is our resolve to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat Mission to every village and every street. "Wherever I go or stay overnight, a pledge of cleanliness will be taken there. This is not just cleanliness, but a movement of social awareness." In addition, the Chief Minister also made it clear to the District Magistrates that he could suddenly reach any Tehsil Diwas in the state to assess the ground-level functioning of the administration and ensure a quick solution to public problems. This initiative will not only give a new direction to the cleanliness system in Uttarakhand, but it will also play an important role in making the Prime Minister's Swachhata Abhiyan a people's campaign. Meanwhile, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Pushkar Singh Dhami, many important decisions were made, including the approval of an amendment to the departmental structure of the Uttarakhand Biotechnology Council, according to a press statement from the CMO on Wednesday. The Haldwani Headquarters and Dehradun Centre posts will be kept in the integrated cadre. Approval has been given for creating 18 new Geology and Mining Department posts to deal with incidents like land subsidence. It has been decided to issue the final notification of flood plain zoning on both banks of the Asan River (from Bhatta Fall to Asan Barrage) and to include some construction works in the permissible category. UIIDB has been entrusted with monetising the operation of 5 inspection buildings (Ranikhet, Uttarkashi, Duggalbitta, Harshil, and Rishikesh) of the Public Works Department in PPP mode. The formation of the Uttarakhand State Allied and Healthcare Council has been approved under the National Allied and Healthcare Professions Commission Act 2021. The cabinet has decided to operate the fund from the cess on foreign liquor/beer under the Chief Minister's Women and Child Multipurpose Assistance Fund (Corpus Fund). It will be used for assistance in schemes run for women and children, the operation of innovative schemes, and support to orphaned children, destitute people, and old women in disaster.
